Manchester United in shock u-turn on Angel Di Maria transfer

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal may be set to pass up the opportunity to sign Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid, according to the Daily Express.

The Red Devils have been hot on the chase for the Argentine wide-man for much of this summer, but may now be about to focus their efforts on bringing in new defensive players before the end of the transfer window.

Di Maria will likely prove expensive, and van Gaal could look at cheaper options to strengthen his midfield, with Benfica star Nicolas Gaitan mentioned as a possible alternative, though he remains committed to improving his backline after losing Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand earlier in the summer.

AS Roma centre-back Mehdi Benatia seems the club’s likeliest target, and while he could prove a useful addition, fans will be disappointed to miss out on the marquee signing of a world class talent such as Di Maria.